The Chinese Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21st). So that means the Lunar year can begin between January 21st to February 21st. In 2020, the Chinese New Year begins at sunset on January 25th. There are many traditional dishes that are served on the Chinese Lunar New Year Eve and the next day to bring good fortune and happiness in the upcoming year.
Each year in a twelve-year cycle is represented by a token animal. This year begins the cycle afresh with the coming of the year of the Rat. As you plan how to celebrate the upcoming year of the Rat, try to include some dishes that will increase your luck, prosperity and family harmony.
Dumplings (Steamed, boiled or fried)
Dumplings are lucky and are traditionally served on Chinese New Year’s Eve because the word in Chinese (jiaozi) means the changing of years. It symbolizes wealth as the shape is reminiscent of gold nuggets. Even the ingredients used in the filling have meanings: celery means hard work that leads to wealth. Leeks represent everlasting affluence. Cabbage refers to a hundred ways to make a fortune. Wontons have a similar pronunciation as ‘hundun’ in Chinese which means beginning. Eating Wontons symbolizes a wish of a good start. Try this recipe for potstickers. https://apinchofsaltlake.com/pork-and-vegetable-potstickers-with-classic-dipping-sauce/.
Egg Rolls or Spring rolls
Eggrolls are made from dough wrappers around assorted fillings and fried until golden and are served to celebrate the coming of spring. They look like gold bars and are served to wish others wealth and prosperity. Try this recipe for spring rolls. https://apinchofsaltlake.com/spring-rolls/.
Long Life Noodles
It doesn’t matter what the noodles are made from as long as they are long. The longer the noodle, the longer your life will be. Eating by slurping the long noodle (without breaking it) symbolizes that life will be smooth in the coming year.
Fish
Fish in Chinese is pronounced ‘Yu’, which means fortune and surplus. There are traditions for eating the fish like placing the head of the fish toward the distinguished guests or the oldest guest to show respect. Eat just the middle part of the fish on New Year’s Eve, leaving the head and tail to be eaten on New Years Day to symbolize wholeness and complete wishes. Try this recipe for Baked Halibut. https://apinchofsaltlake.com/asian-baked-halibut/. You can prepare a whole white flesh fish using the same sauce and baking 10 minutes longer.
Chicken and eggs
A whole chicken is represented family, reunions, and rebirth. Chicken soup is often served as the first meal of the new year as that is a hope for peace. Eating chicken feet helps to grasp and hold onto wealth. Egg white and yolks represent gold and silver They also represent the hope for a healthy family. Try this recipe for Won Ton Soup https://apinchofsaltlake.com/quick-and-easy-won-ton-soup/.
Tangerines and Oranges
Displaying tangerines and oranges and also eating these fruits is thought to bring luck and fortune. The color of the skin represents gold and the shape symbolizes fulness. Even the names of the fruit in Chinese sounds lucky.
Fill out the rest of your celebration with your favorite dishes.
Other Chinese New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year has many traditions regarding good luck and good fortune. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to get rid of any lingering bad luck from the past year and clear the way for good fortune in the coming year. Firecrackers are lit to chase away evil spirits and welcome good fortune with their loud sounds. The lucky color red is used in decorations.
Celebrate this upcoming Lunar New Year this weekend by serving a wonderful meal with friends and family. Ring in the new year with red clothes and envelopes given to children. Set off fireworks, watch a fireworks show or dragon dance to chase away evil spirits. Clean the house and wear new clothes to sweep away bad luck.
Enjoy the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year or Beginning of the Spring Festival all representing the same holiday which begins on January 25th and continues through February 8th of this year.
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